CVE-2022-22284 in Internet
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2022
Improper authentication vulnerability in Samsung Internet prior to 16.0.2.19 allows attackers to bypass secret mode password authentication
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-22284 represents a critical improper authentication flaw in Samsung Internet browser versions prior to 16.0.2.19. This weakness specifically targets the secret mode password authentication mechanism that users employ to protect sensitive browsing activities and personal data within the browser environment. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of authentication credentials during the secret mode access process, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized individuals to gain access to protected browser functionality without proper authorization.
From a technical perspective, this authentication bypass vulnerability operates through flawed input validation and session management mechanisms within the Samsung Internet browser implementation. The flaw likely manifests in how the browser handles credential verification during secret mode initiation, potentially allowing attackers to exploit weaknesses in the authentication flow or manipulate the verification process. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, specifically focusing on authentication bypass scenarios where legitimate access controls are circumvented. The technical implementation appears to lack proper cryptographic validation or secure credential handling mechanisms that would normally prevent unauthorized access to protected browser features.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential data compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. When users activate secret mode in Samsung Internet, they expect to have protected browsing sessions that prevent others from accessing their private data, bookmarks, history, and potentially cached credentials. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could access these protected sessions, potentially gaining access to personal information, browsing history, saved passwords, and other sensitive data that users expect to remain private within the secret browsing mode. This compromise directly violates user expectations of privacy and security within the browser environment.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a significant risk in environments where multiple users share devices or where personal privacy is paramount. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that secret mode is designed specifically to protect users from unauthorized access to their browsing activities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1566 which covers credential harvesting and T1078 which addresses valid accounts usage, as attackers could leverage this flaw to access protected user sessions without detection. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including mandatory browser updates to version 16.0.2.19 or later, which addresses the authentication bypass through proper credential validation mechanisms. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of keeping their browser updated and should be advised to avoid using secret mode on devices that may be compromised or shared with untrusted individuals. System administrators should monitor for potential exploitation attempts and consider implementing additional access controls or network-level protections to limit exposure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper authentication implementation in mobile browser applications where users rely on built-in privacy features to protect their digital activities.